Your first misdemeanor DUI conviction in California could cost you $16,000, according to an article in the LA Times. A recent report calculated the total cost of a first-time DUI conviction, including fines, legal fees and increased insurance rates. Not drinking and driving or setting up other modes of transportation is the best way to avoid the high costs of a DUI conviction, but if you are charged with DUI, it is important to retain an experienced Southern California DUI defense attorney who can help you avoid large fines and high fees.
The True Cost of a DUI
The LA Times article cited a report by the Automobile Club of Southern California, which calculated that a first-time misdemeanor offense for DUI can cost up to $15,649. Teenagers are hit even harder by a first-time DUI offense. If you are under the age of 21, a misdemeanor first-time DUI conviction costs up to $22,492.
The total cost calculated by the Automobile Club of Southern California includes state and local fines, penalties, restitution and legal fees. It also accounts for increased insurance rates. However, the sum does not include thousands of dollars in potential additional expenses such as bail fees, costs of damage to your vehicle, bodily injury or any salary lost from missing time from work.
In addition to monetary punishment, a first-time conviction for DUI is punishable by up six months in county jail and the suspension of your driving privilege for one year. If you caused injury to another person while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you can be charged with a felony and sentenced to up to three years in county jail.
Contact a Southern California DUI Defense Attorney Today
If you or someone you know has been charged with DUI, the costs can quickly add up. It is important to retain the services of an experienced Southern California DUI defense attorney who can help you with your case. The attorneys at Wallin and Klarich have over 30 years of experience successfully defending clients who have been charged with drunk driving offenses.
With offices in Los Angeles, Sherman Oaks, Torrance, Tustin, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, West Covina and Victorville, there is an experienced Wallin & Klarich DUI attorney who can represent you throughout Southern California.
Call us today at (888) 280-6839 for a free telephone consultation. We will get through this together.
